Robert Willoughby, 1st Baron Willoughby de Broke facts for kids

A statue of Robert Willoughby, 1st Baron Willoughby de Broke, who passed away in 1502. This statue is made of alabaster and can be found in St Mary's Church, Callington, Cornwall.

Drawings from the 1800s showing the statue of Robert Willoughby in Callington Church, Cornwall. He is wearing the special collar of the Order of the Garter, and his head rests on his family's crest: a Saracen's head with a crown and earrings.

The family shield (Coat of Arms) of Sir Robert Willoughby, 1st Baron Willoughby de Broke, displayed on his special plate for the Order of the Garter.

One of six similar family shields of Robert Willoughby on his tomb at Callington. Some are shown with the special circle of the Order of the Garter. These shields show the symbols of the Willoughby, Latimer, Cheyne, and Stafford families.

Robert Willoughby, 1st Baron Willoughby de Broke (born around 1452 – died August 23, 1502) was an important English nobleman and soldier. He was known as the 1st Baron Willoughby de Broke and was also considered the 9th Baron Latimer by right of his family. He lived at a place called Brook, near Westbury in Wiltshire. Robert Willoughby was a key leader for King Henry VII's army, especially during the Cornish rebellion of 1497. He was also a member of the prestigious Order of the Garter, a special group of knights.

Who Was Robert Willoughby?

Robert Willoughby was born around 1452 at Brook, which was then spelled "Broke." This area is part of the parish of Westbury in Wiltshire. His father was Sir John Willoughby (1421-1477).

His mother was Anne Cheyne. She was the second daughter of Sir Edmund Cheyne (1401–1430) of Brook. Through his mother's family, Robert Willoughby inherited important lands and rights, including some in the Channel Islands. The Cheyne family was very important in the Channel Islands, serving as governors and owning a lot of land.

Robert Willoughby's Career

Robert Willoughby held several important positions during his life. In 1479, he was the High Sheriff of Cornwall, which meant he was the chief law enforcement officer in that county. The next year, in 1480, he became the High Sheriff of Devon.

He also owned the main estate (called the Manor) of Callington and was in charge of the Duchy of Cornwall, which manages lands for the Prince of Wales.

The old part of Brook Hall in 2011. This is what remains of the manor house that Robert Willoughby built.

The title of Baron Willoughby de Broke was created especially for Robert Willoughby. This title was named after his family's home, the manor of Brook in Wiltshire. He was officially called to join Parliament as a Baron in 1492.

Robert Willoughby passed away on August 23, 1502. He died at his manor house in Callington. In his will, he asked to be buried in the church of the parish where he died. After his death, his title passed to his oldest son, Robert Willoughby, 2nd Baron Willoughby de Broke.

Family Life

In 1472, Robert Willoughby married Blanche Champernowne. She was the daughter and heiress of John Champernowne of Bere Ferrers, Devon. Through this marriage, Robert gained control of important estates like Callington, Cornwall and Bere Ferrers.

Robert and Blanche had four children:

• Robert Willoughby, 2nd Baron Willoughby de Broke (died 1521). He passed away before his own son, Edward. Because of this, the title of Baron became "abeyant" in 1521. This means the title was put on hold because there was no direct male heir. It was later decided that his daughter Elizabeth would inherit the title around 1535. He was buried at Bere Ferrers.
• Elizabeth, who married two times. Her first husband was John Dynham, 1st Baron Dynham, and her second was William FitzAlan, 18th Earl of Arundel.
• John (who died when he was young).
• Anthony (who also died when he was young).